Two Salem teens were rescued Saturday evening after what the Marion County Sheriff’s Office called their “near-tragic” attempt to cross the Willamette River near Keizer.

The swimmers, identified as Timothy Edmond, 18, and Dakota Massie, 13, told deputies they underestimated the strength of the current and cold water temperatures.

Wearing children-sized “floaties” on each arm, the youths began struggling almost as soon as they entered the water near the Keizer Rapid boat ramp on the east side of the river.

A bystander, identified as Sherwin Schnell of Independence, told authorities later that the teens got caught in a whirlpool and appeared unable to free themselves. At that point, Schnell called 911.

Edmond and Massie made it to the west side of the river and appeared ready to swim back through the area where they had almost drowned, police said. Schnell, following the 911 call-taker’s directions, yelled at them to stay put until help came.

An MCSO marine rescue boat, staffed by Sgt. Shane Burnham, Sr. Deputy Dave Zahn and Cadet Francisco Villasenior, arrived to find the swimmers standing in the water at the bank on the west side. The crew returned the youths to the boat ramp, where they were evaluated and found to be in good condition and not in need of further medical attention.

With increasingly warmer temperatures on the way, police said, the incident should serve as a cautionary note to others to wear appropriate floatation devices, respect water currents and temperatures and bring a friend for safety.